Forklift operators play the most vital role in the day to day operations of warehouses, freighting ports, stock depots and a whole host of other industrial work locations. It is the responsibility of forklift drivers to move heavy goods to and from places and locations that are the most difficult to reach. Without an efficient forklift operator the productivity of these types of work locations will decrease considerably costing employers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Forklift operators are required to load, transport, safeguard and then unload different products between locations, industrial departments and even workplace premises. Because of the wide diversity of locations being dealt with and the amount of different teams that will need to be interacted with there is a larger than normal emphasis placed on communication and teamwork ability within potential applicants. Drivers are a vital cog between one group of workers and another.

Key Forklift Operator Responsibilities

• Carefully loading and unloading goods making sure to cause no avoidable damage
• Selecting safe locations and storing the goods in the often difficult to reach areas
• Performing safety and maintenance checks on company forklifts
• Ensuring all loads are safe and secure
• Tidying and stacking empty industrial pallets
• Transporting goods between elements of the production line
• Liaising with warehouse supervises and performing inventory stock takes
• Ad hoc duties as required by your employer

Forklift Operator Salary

New forklift operators who have just completed their training and the forklift licensing test will generally earn anywhere from $20-25k USD, with their more experienced counterparts earning higher anywhere up to $50k per year in some instances.

Forklift Operator Qualification Requirements

Forklift drivers do not technically need to possess and prior academic qualifications in order to sit for their forklift ticket. However many employers will require their employees have a minimum of a high school diploma or grade school equivalent. And while a forklift qualification is not an absolute must in order to drive a forklift, most of the most reputable firms will demand that their potential employees at a minimum be willing to sit for the certification, with preference being shown to those who have already undergone forklift training and have prior work experience within the industry.